Two Faithful Men

Introduction

Background of Epaphroditus’ ministry to Paul.

Thesis: God wants you to be faithful.   How?

Be Ready to Go Anywhere

A. “To send Timotheus,” v. 19.

B. “To send Epaphroditus,” v. 25

C. Others who were ready to go anywhere:

1. Moses went back to Egypt, Exodus 4:18.
2. Elijah went back to seek out Ahab, 1 Kings 8:2.
3. Philip went to the desert, Acts 8:27. (A leader of the great spiritual revival movement in Samaria, but he was called to go to the desert.)
4. Ananias went to heal Saul, the persecutor of the church, Acts 9:17.

Be Ready to Help Anyone

A. The helpfulness of Timothy, vv. 20-21

1. Helping ourselves: many seek their own welfare, v. 21
2. Helping others: care for others naturally, v. 20
3. Helping the Lord, v. 21

B. The helpfulness of Epaphroditus, vv. 25-30

1. He ministered to my needs, word refers to Temple service
   • A fellow-believer: “My brother”
   • A fellow-worker: “My companion in labor”
   • A fellow-soldier:
   • A messenger of the Church: “Your messenger”
2. He was sad that the Philippians worried about his health.

C. How the Christians loved one another:

1. Paul loved Timothy and Epaphroditus; they loved him.
2. Paul loved the Philippians; they loved him.
3. Epaphroditus and Timothy (v. 20) loved the Philippians; they loved them.
4. No lack of some things in the church:
   • of learning
   • of organization
   • busy-ness
   • but a lack of love!

Be Ready to Sacrifice Anything

A. Timothy “served with me in the Gospel.”

1. His sheltered home, Lois and Eunice, 2 Timothy 3:15.
2. His delicate health, 1 Timothy 5:23.
3. His sensitive nature, 1 Timothy 4:12.

B. Epaphroditus “not regarding his life,” v. 30. Bringing Onesimus to Paul.

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